RAK Airways eyes 40 new destinations by 2015

RAK Airways has announced its strategic plan towards commercial expansion and acquiring new aircraft.

RAK president Murabit Al Sawaf said the expansion plan is part of the airline’s endeavours to achieve the target of 40 destinations by 2015, of which five destinations will be announced shortly.

Addressing a press conference at Hilton Resort & Spa Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah, recently, Al Sawaf said that while expansion of destination is one of the key commercial focus’ of the airline, there is also a strategic focus on increasing the airline’s fleet.

“Accordingly new aircraft will join the fleet before the end of this year,” he said, adding that the airline is now operating its services by using two leased aircraft.

Al Sawaf said ‘RAK Airways transported 300,000 passengers in 2012.

There has been 40 percent increase in the number of passengers carried by the airline in the first half of 2013 compared to the same period last year.

In the first half of 2013, the airline increased its frequency to Dhaka, Peshawar and Lahore, from two weekly flights to three, in order to meet with growing demand to these destinations.

The weekly services to Jeddah will also rise to ten from seven.

According to Al Sawaf: “RAK Airways has an ambitious growth plan and the strategy is being studied to roll out the plan effectively, in a short span of time.

“Being one of the national carriers of the United Arab Emirates, RAK Airways is playing a vital role in the growth and development of Ras Al Khaimah,” he said.

“We are working on diversifying travel options to Ras Al Khaimah, whether it is for business or tourism purposes.”

The airline also functions as a roving ambassador by showcasing investment opportunities available in the emirate to the world, in addition to letting the world know about the large number of touristic and recreational sites available in the emirate.